How Do I Read a London Postcode?

By Alice Nichols

Are you planning to visit London or do you live in London and want to learn how to read a London postcode? A London postcode is a combination of letters and numbers used to identify different areas in the city. In this article, we will discuss how to read a London postcode and understand its structure.

The Structure of a London Postcode

A London postcode consists of two parts – the outward code and the inward code. The outward code is made up of the first half of the postcode, which will appear before the space, while the inward code is made up of the second half, which will appear after the space.

For example, in “SW1W 0NY”, “SW1W” is the outward code, and “0NY” is the inward code.

The Outward Code

The outward code contains between 2 to 4 characters. The first character represents one of the following regions in London:

  • EC – Eastern Central (EC1A)
  • WC – Western Central (WC1A)
  • N – Northern (N1)
  • NW – North Western (NW1)
  • E – Eastern (E1)
  • SE – South Eastern (SE1)
  • S – Southern (S1)
  • SW – South Western (SW1)
  • W – Western (W1)

The second part of the outward code consists of either one or two characters that further identify the area within the region. For example, in “N1”, “N” is the region code, and “1” is the area code.

The third part of the outward code (if present) is a number that identifies a specific district within the area. For example, in “EC1A”, “EC” is the region code, “1A” is the area code, and there are no district codes.

The Inward Code

The inward code consists of one number and two letters. The first letter represents a sector within the district identified by the outward code. The second letter represents a unit within the sector.

For example, in “SW1W 0NY”, “0” is the sector code, and “NY” is the unit code.

How to Use Postcodes

Postcodes are used to identify specific locations for mailing purposes or for navigating around London using GPS devices. They can also be used to find out more information about an area or to locate businesses or services in that particular location.

Conclusion

Reading a London postcode may seem complicated at first glance, but it’s actually quite simple once you understand its structure. The outward code identifies the general area of London while inward codes narrow down to specific sectors and units. Hopefully, this article has helped you understand how to read and use London postcodes effectively.